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Roboscooper

 

roboscooperThe Wowwee Roboscooper has been precisely designed to cleanly lift objects with its big hands and load them in the big enough tray attached to it’s rear. It has exactly 6 wheels to move around and you can control it with a remote control to guide it to clear objects. It is the latest invention of Wowwee.

Unfortunately There Is a weight  restriction, and it is pretty, well, restrictive. Heb can only pick up one ounce Things That Weigh. Do not worry Though Because ET Will Still look extra cute doing it. Just please do not make Him scoop up Anything You Would not Want to scoop up yourself, you know What we mean. You can pick Him up for just $ 70.

The Line of WowWee Robots has-beens a big success Because THEY appeal to Both Sides of robot lovers, Those That Love functional robots and giving further That Love funny and cute looking robot. The latest WowWee robot to release is this new WowWee Roboscooper. His name is pretty descriptive of Exactly What It Is That He Does, scoop things up.

In autonomous or remote control mode, Roboscooper can clear your floor of small items, picking them up with two hands, and then pivoting its torso to drop the merchandise on to the miniature flatbed on its back.

Now judging from the initial images released by the company, it’s doubtful whether those hands can actually do a lot of scooping but then again, WowWee does say that Roboscooper can only handle lightweight objects (one ounce at most).

Looks and movement-wise, many say it’s a cross between Wall-E and the 1980 toy icon, the “Big Trak”. In fact, the company dubs it as WowWee’s answer to Wall-E. It may be far from cleaning up the planet Earth but what it may lack in functionality, it could make up for in entertainment value.



Spykee

 

spykeeThe Meccano Spykee Spy Robot is a high tech machine that can guard your home and keep in contact with you via the internet. Spykee is equipped with a camera, microphone and WiFi allowing you to use your PC to keep control of this mobile CCTV robot from anywhere in the world.

With a built-in motion detector Spykee can detect movements, sound an alarm on your computer and incredibly send you a picture of the target. Meccano allow you to build this robot yourself and offers a number of different looks. When finished let Spykee free to run around listening, watching and even lets you talk to people. Being compatible with Skype software you can use Spykee as a webcam and talk to friends over the internet or play your MP3 music through it’s speaker.

One has to consider a few items to make sure whichever route they go, that they will be happy with the investment.  All of the robots connect to a wireless router/firewall.  Typically, the home routers (Linksys, Netgear, Belkin, etc) are low-end routers, and their throughput is slow (They can only process so much traffic at a time).  Then, their CPU limits on how fast it can encrypt/decrypt wireless traffic.  One also has to consider how fast their broadband connection is (Download, and upload).  A fast upload is necessary to quickly send the video/audio outside of your home network.  You also have to take account if there is traffic already being transmitted within your network.  Latency is another huge factor one has to consider.  It might be slower during peak times to your Spykee.  Where you will be controlling your robot is crucial also.

If you’re at work, make sure to research which port(s) you will need to access the robot.  If you plan on controlling the robot while you’re at a public hotspot, be prepared for it to be choppy.  All of the hotspots I have been on were very slow due to them being public.

This information is vital in making a decision in what robot will work for you, and will work with your current network configuration.  Lastly, purchase the robot from a company that has a great return policy, like hammacher-schlemmer with their generous lifetime warranty.  Other companies offer great warranties also.  This will protect you if any issues arise, so you can either exchange or get a refund.



2010 Suzuki SX4

 

suzuki-sx4-2010The 2010 Suzuki SX4 gets freshened styling, slightly more power, and new transmissions. This subcompact car comes in hatchback and sedan body styles. Both use a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Transmission choices include a new 6-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic (CVT) which behaves like an automatic. Manual-transmission versions have 150 horsepower, while CVT-equipped SX4s have 148 horsepower.

All have front-wheel drive. Some hatchbacks have all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing, but can be set for a 50/50 front/rear power split or front-drive only. AWD hatchbacks are called Crossovers. Hatchbacks come in Base, Technology, Touring, and GTS trim levels. Sedans come as the Base, LE, LE Popular, Sport S, Sport SE, and Sport GTS. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. Depending on model selection, available features include keyless entry/engine start, wireless cell-phone link, and a navigation system. Some navigation-equipped models include real-time traffic and weather, airline departure and arrival data, news, and sports scores.

The only feature in this SX4 SportBack that could be considered tech was the stereo, having as its sources a six-disc in-dash changer capable of reading MP3 and WMA CDs, satellite radio, and an auxiliary input. Music plays through an eight-speaker audio system, complete with center channel and subwoofer. This setup proved generally tinny, although we appreciated the subtle richness added by the subwoofer.

Small cars like the SX4 SportBack can be a whole lot of fun, able to zip around quickly and provide thrills at low-to-moderate-speed driving conditions, which is about all you can hope for on public roads. The SX4 SportBack’s two-liter four-cylinder engine showed a willingness to go from the start, pulling the car quickly as soon as we put it in drive. That engine is tuned for 150 horsepower at 6,200rpm and 140 pound-feet of torque at 3,500rpm.

Inside, the cabin is tall with excellent headroom. Large front quarter windows give a great view around corners. The seats tend to force the driver to a more upright position but give a very good view of the road. Lower in the eyeline, the instrument cluster is simple and intuitive with large tach and speedo dials, fuel and temp gauges are mounted high and toward the center. In the lower center is a multi-info display with a fuel consumption computer, fuel range, trip meter and clock.

Towards the center of the dash is the audio system with CD and MP3 capability. Music players can plug into the aux port to channel sound through its 8-speaker system. It’s composed of 4 door speakers and 4 door-mounted tweeters. Audio controls are mounted on the leather-wrapped steering wheel for easy access.



Nissan Sentra 200

 

nissan-sentra-200This new Sentra (B16) replaces the Pulsar-based N16 Sentra. And rather than being sourced from within South East Asia, like the latter, this new one comes all the way from Mexico.

It’s a Completely Built Up (CBU) US domestic model, which means a larger body and higher standards of safety. As such, the big body Sentra carries a more sedate and stately style. It’s also pulled along by a 2.0 liter engine mated to a silky smooth Xtronic CVT transmission.

Where it begins to underwhelm is the inclusion of certain specific parts that many other brands have long since phased out. For instance, the Sentra 200 is held aloft by a torsion bar rear suspension system and drum brakes are fitted in the rear wheels. Nothing wrong with these, but many compact cars now offer independent rear suspension systems and disc brakes on all fours. It’s all tried and tested old technology but is by no means obsolete.

The fact of the matter is, it’s all in the real world performance where it matters and that’s where the Sentra 200 truly surprises. Despite the old parts, it accelerates and handles just as well as many of its modern peers. Sure the 2.0 liter may lack the kick of a Civic, but the smooth power delivery of the CVT definitely matches any Honda’s fuel economy figures. Drop it into manual mode and even shifting near the redline doesn’t return that typical shift shock. All throughout, the pedal feels firm and connected, virtually eliminating the slipping clutch and disconnected feeling CVTs tend to have. Another surprise reveals itself in downhill sections, where the engine returns some engine brake, typically absent from CVTs.

Based on Nissan’s Global C platform, the new Sentra 200 features styling cues from the latest generation of Nissan’s design concept. The new sedan promises powerful yet fuel efficient and comfortable driving performance with the integration of transmission technologies such as the Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and the 6-speed manual, coupled with a new power unit, the MR20, producing 140 horsepower and 199 newton meters of torque.

“We are positive that the all-new Sentra will change how today’s customers see sedans. The Sentra exemplifies how a sedan can be as versatile as other types of vehicles. The driving experience, amenities and safety that this new vehicle offers will surely surprise our customers as they drive the Sentra to work and at play,” said Allen Chen, president of Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc.



Isuzu Alterra 2010

 

isuzu-alterra-2010Being almost exclusively an AUV driver (having driven a Toyota Tamaraw FX and a Revo for almost all of my driving years), I always welcome the break when I get to drive a slightly bigger vehicle. That treat came recently when I had a chance to take the 2010 Isuzu Alterra for a spin.

At first glance, I thought it would take some effort to drive since it’s slightly longer and wider than what I’m used to. Surprisingly, driving the new Isuzu Alterra wasn’t a chore at all. Ten minutes into the trip, I forgot it’s an SUV because it’s quite easy to maneuver, much like a sedan. Being on the bigger side of life, I found the Alterra’s spacious legroom an added bonus. I was more relaxed during traffic jams thanks to the extra space for stretching my legs out.

he midsize sport-utility vehicle, just became even better, receiving more value-for-money features that are sure to impress in these gloomy time of recession.
Just think about it, who will be willing to pay P1.7 million for a truck, which is essentially what the Alterra is. Isuzu has all the extras to prove its worth: Two LCD screens, 11 speakers that churn out 5.1 Dolby Digital DTS Surround Sound, a JVC head unit that takes in DVD, MP3, WMA, USB and other auxiliaries, and controls that lets the backseat people enjoy their DVD marathon.

That’s not mentioning the fact that the 2009 model is powered by the trailblazing 3.0-liter 4JJ1-TC common-rail direct-injection diesel engine, furnished with a new-design 16-inch six-spoke alloy wheels as well as a new-design circular tailpipe finisher. Chrome is also a nice addition on the vehicle, as the door handles and power-folding side mirrors have now been chromed.